Between celebrating what to be thankful for and ringing in the coming Christmas season, Northwest Indiana has an activity for anyone and everyone in the Region! Start your Christmas shopping early at local businesses, get to know your community during winter festivals, and maybe catch sight of Santa!
Take a look at our list of 10 Fun Things To Do in Northwest Indiana and be sure to add some to your calendar!
Support local artists by visiting Lubeznik’s Holiday Artisan Market
Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ Holiday Artisan Market is open! The market features unique pieces created by local artists including jewelry, ceramics, wearable art, and more! It’s the perfect place to find a memorable Christmas gift. Learn more here.
Help provide a Christmas to kids in need with Allegius FCU’s Toys for Tots drive
Every year, Toys for Tots helps to provide Christmas presents to children who might not otherwise get them. Allegius Federal Credit Union (FCU) is accepting toys; visit any Allegius FCU location to drop off a toy and support the drive! Learn more about Allegius FCU here.
Race into Thanksgiving with Valpo’s Turkey Trot
Valparaiso is hosting its annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, November 24. Running a 5k is a healthy way to start the holiday! If racing isn’t exactly your speed, volunteering for the race gives you a way to stay involved while keeping your energy for family and friends later in the day. Learn more here.
Light up the Region’s Christmas Trees
Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s time to light up the Christmas tree! The City of Hobart and the City of Crown Point will be lighting their trees on Friday at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively, and the following day will feature tree lightings in Valparaiso and Hammond at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. No matter where you are, there’s an opportunity to ring in Christmas!
Chill out with your friends at Valpo’s Winter Fest
On top of its tree lighting ceremony, Valparaiso Parks and Recreation will be hosting Winterfest on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. There will be caroling, figure skating performances, and photo opportunities with Santa himself. The skating rink will be open, so come ready to hit the ice. If you bring in a receipt from a small business, you’ll get a special rate on your skate admission! Learn more here.
Join the City of Chesterton for a Hometown Holiday Celebration
The City of Chesterton is holding an all-day celebration on Saturday to kick off the Christmas season. Featuring local vendors, a tree lighting ceremony, carriage rides through downtown, and a parade, there’s a lot to look forward to! Learn more here.
Catch sight of Kris Kringle at the City of La Porte’s Santa Parade
Though he’s getting a bit of a later start, Santa’s coming on Saturday at 3 p.m., and the City of La Porte is throwing a parade to celebrate! Families are invited to line up along the route stretching from State Street to the parade’s end at Plaza 618. After, Santa will be available for photos, and the city will light its Christmas tree! Learn more here.
Spin to win at Black Friday Frenzy with Four Winds Casino
Four Winds Casino is delivering gift cards and cash prizes to its patrons just in time for the shopping season. Head to any Four Winds location to be entered into the prize raffle. Six lucky winners will receive a $500 retail gift card, six will receive $250 worth of Instant Credit/Free Slot Play, and three will receive $1000 in cash! Learn more here.
Shop local this Small Business Saturday
This upcoming Saturday is a wonderful time to check out some of the smaller businesses in your area. Whether that’s a cafe down the road or a small hobby shop on the corner, pass the holiday cheer on by buying local. These shops provide material goods and service, but they also keep your community feeling uniquely yours!
Cap off the weekend at Hobart’s Holiday Market
Christmas carols will be drifting through the streets of downtown Hobart this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while the Holiday Market is in full swing! See unique gifts for the upcoming holidays from local vendors as well as baked goodies from the Maria Reiner Senior Center. Learn more here.